{"id":14921,"date":"2012-09-21T09:11:28","date_gmt":"2012-09-21T15:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-367309-1145705.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=14921"},"modified":"2012-09-21T09:11:28","modified_gmt":"2012-09-21T15:11:28","slug":"solar-powered-sailing-ships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sustainablog.org\/articles\/solar-powered-sailing-ships\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Solar-Powered Sailing Ships Open Up Ocean-Based Commerce?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"artist<\/a><\/p>\n

Just over a week ago, we took a look at a handful of companies using (or thinking about using) sail-powered ships<\/a> to transport raw materials and\/or products. While sails can help these small companies in the developed world lower their carbon footprint, in the developing world, simpler forms of shipping could open up whole worlds of economic opportunity… and with marginal environmental impact, if done right. The creators of the Greenheart Project<\/a> are trying to accomplish those latter goals with the development of a simply-designed, sail and solar-powered ship<\/a> created specifically for use by some of the world’s poorest people.<\/p>\n

Sounds kind of like toy for rich folks, right? That could’ve been the case, but the designers spent several years researching their concept to ensure it really served poor communities by making it affordable to build and operate. Obviously, solar and sail power requires no fuel, so that’s a good start. The Greenheart is designed to incorporate readily-available materials, so that’s another point in its favor. One of the coolest aspects: it can “dock” on beaches, so communities without ports can still use it to buy and sell in the larger global market.<\/p>\n

Want to see this innovative concept? Check out Greenheart’s pitch video at Indiegogo<\/a>:<\/p>\n